Adventures and Opinions of a College and Minor League Baseball Fanatic

STAR WARS NIGHT-Episode III: Revenge of Da Bums

Wuerfel Park–Traverse City, MI: Well, it was that time of the summer again, when I packed up my scruffy lookin’ nerf-herders and headed downstate for our annual ‘Star Wars Night’ trip. This year we decided to check out our favorite characters from a ‘galaxy far, far, away’ at the Traverse City Beach Bums instead of in Grand Rapids at the Whitecaps. The kids were excited, and had fun meeting the characters. There weren’t nearly as many as we’ve seen in the past at the ‘Caps, but we had a good time regardless. They had Darth Vader and his Stormtroopers, an Imperial Officer, and the lovely Princess Leia on hand. I would have liked to have seen Boba Fett and maybe some droids, but maybe next year. It was pretty hot and there was an impending storm, so it could be that limited some of the costumes and attendance. Lucky for us we made it through the game without a drop on us! In the game itself, the Bums were taking on the Southern Illinois Miners. TC was leading up until the 5th inning, when the Miners stormed back to take the lead. Scott Dunn took the loss on the mound for the Bums, giving up two runs, and striking out three in 4 2/3 innings. Final: Miners 5, Beach Bums 1. May the Force be with you…

The Bums were sporting their special Star Wars jerseys

Brian and Lily with Beach Bums mascot Sunburn!

Believe it or not, this is the first ball we’ve gotten at a Beach Bums game, and our first Frontier League ball. Trevor was lucky to get this foul ball.

A trip to Traverse City wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Pirate’s Cove. It was a beautiful day out, and the kids and I were lucky enough to spend it doing the zip line, bumper boats, go-karting, and the water coaster. I had to fudge Brian’s age a little so he could drive his own kiddie kart, but he did a great job, and is actually a better driver than his mom… Anyway, this was a great day, a day spent with family (we met Papa and Nana at the ballgame) and fun, and one you feel very lucky to have had. I feel lucky to be able to do this for my kids, and hope we can take in at least one more game before school starts.

this wants me want to venture more to go see minor league games. I have seen the local one here in my area like the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, the San Bernardino 66’s and the Padres affiliate, the Storms. but other than the one in NH and Vegas that has been it for me.
-Emma

Emma-the Minor League games are tons of fun. It’s great that you have so many teams in the area, and you can really get a variety of levels and affiliates. A trip through Cali is one I really need to make!
–Mike

Gotta love the promotions minor league and indy teams will do to get fans out to the park. I live in London, Ontario, former home of the London Rippers who have since been turned into a travelling team playing in the same league as the Beach Bums. I went to many games before they were shut down a few weeks ago and there was never any attempt to put on a afternoon like this. Decent quality baseball in the Frontier League but it seems the Rippers didn’t even try to draw fans. Best of luck to your Beach Bums going forward, love hearing about independent baseball.
-Michael

Michael-It’s too bad the Rippers couldn’t make a go of it in London. That whole franchise has been in termoil, and was a team in Michigan last year that suspended operations. I would love to see more teams in Canada since I live on the border. Even a indy team or summer college team.
–Mike

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